Review of This Is Martin Bonner (2013) by Sarfaraz A — 21 Jan 2014

This is Martin Bonner - drama film written and directed by Chad Hartigan. Starring Australian actor Paul Eenhoorn in the title role. Film received its premier at Sundance Film Festival and won Audience Award for Best of NEXT. Sean McElwee captures aesthetic photography of golden evens of Nevada.

Film opens with Bonner and his aide talking with soon-to-be-released prisoner, educating him what sort of good but simple jobs await for him, outside. Bonner is in mid 50s who has moved from East Coast leaving behind two decade building life and, his two adult kids to settle in Reno (Nevada). Bonner is divorced and works as co-ordinator for prisoners about to be released works as volunteer rehabilitator. He regularly keeps up with his children. He soon hooks up with new charge, that of middle-aged man (Richmond Arquette) who served 12 years for drunk-driving manslaughter. Bonner befriends Richmond immediately, the two spend quality time, each one expressing his personal indulgence. Bonner feels betrayed and heartbroken, when comes to learn that Richmond has called on his teenage daughter, with whom he wants to relocate.

Chad's direction brings us fast-paced entertainment. I barely could notice that an hour had passed, as I seemed to groove in to its catchable dialogues. Film carries religious tone (Christianity) as well. Paul Eenhoorn is owner of classy persona, it seems though that there is permanent smile on his face. He has got, this urge to be somebody that audience should not be willing to see disheartened. A tender-story about men who are somehow destined to face challenges of life; bitter they might look and yet we have to rise above these challenges.